Media release of
27.05.09
“A
1220 km long pipeline, which will join Russian and German gas consumers under
water and pierce the whole of the Baltic Sea, is currently expected to be
constructed on the bottom of the Baltic Sea. We comprehend the significance of
the gas supply and the aims of energetic diversification; however, we are
concerned with its impact on the ecosystem, flora and fauna of the Baltic Sea,”
Speaker of the Seimas Arűnas Valinskas noted in the letter to Chairwoman of the
International Board of Directors of the International Environment Organisation
“Greenpeace” Lalita Ramdas signed by him today.
According
to the Speaker of the Seimas, the final stage of the design and deliberation of
the pipeline having been launched, the Lithuanian and other Baltic Sea states’
public expresses mounting concerns, but the project constructors are attempting
to diminish them. The states of the Baltic Sea Region, the economic area of
which will be crossed by the pipeline, are expected to submit their assessments
and issue permits for the construction of the underwater pipeline before June.
“Bearing
in mind your activists’ professionalism and energy as well as the global tasks
of “Greenpeace” aimed at saving our planet, I would like to ask you to express
your professional and reasoned opinion regarding the implementation of this
large-scale construction project in the Baltic Sea and the possible long-term
and short-term environmental impact of these construction works. The opinion
expressed by such a competent global organisation as “Greenpeace” is very
important for citizens of Lithuania as well as for Lithuanian environmental
scientists and experts. I hope that the information and arguments submitted by
your organisation will stop the destruction of the Baltic Sea and reassure
people of Lithuania and other Baltic Sea states,” Mr. Valinskas claims in the
letter to the Chairwoman of the International Board of Directors of
“Greenpeace”.
The
Speaker of the Parliament believes that solidarity is essential when seeking to
stop negative and destructive processes caused by globalisation, human
industrial and economic activities. As Arűnas Valinskas claims, in order to
achieve this, strong political will, solidarity, environmental education and
responsible activities performed by people and global businesses are required.
The
Speaker of the Parliament emphasised that an active and professional position
of “Greenpeace” repeatedly attracts the global community’s attention to
unacceptable human activities with regard to environment. He also highlighted
the fact that “Greenpeace” community has more than once warned about the
condition and threats caused by human activities to the Baltic Sea – one of the
most unique, yet one of the most polluted seas in the world.
“Unfortunately,
we have to admit that the threat and challenges for the Baltic Sea washing the
coasts of 9 states have not decreased, but remained the same. The shipping
industry is growing, as does the pollution; the issues of chemical warfare
decay on the bottom of the sea remain unresolved and unpredictable,” the letter
signed by Mr. Valinskas said.
Indrë
Virţintë, Spokesperson of the Seimas Speaker
